Beauty and the Beast

When we awoke in the morning anchored at Puerto del Rosario (N28°29.588' W013°51.572' Fuerteventura, Canary Islands), Jordan said he wished it would rain to wash off all the salt from yesterday's blow. Be careful what you wish for!

All of a sudden there was a blast of wind from a squall and with it came torrential downpour. Sea Turtle was quickly stretched out on its chain and was being swung right around towards a small local moored fishboat (that we will call the Beast) and it became dreadfully apparent that it didn't have near the scope that Sea Turtle (that we will call Beauty) had laid down. We were quickly pinned up against the side of the Beast that was now rocking violently in the chop.

The Beast

We were both desperately trying to hold the Beast off but it was impossible. Jordan went forward to bring in more anchor chain to pull us away, leaving me to do the best that I could fending off the Beast with a big bumper.

The squall soon passed but not before leaving some battle scars. Claiming a victory, the Beast suffered only minor scrapes on its wooden rail but the teak toe rail of Beauty was damaged and 2 thick metal chainplates were bent inwards from the wild action. The combined power of the howling wind and the stormy seawater was unbelievable.

Battle scars

Finally secured but battered and bruised, we retreated below to a hot chocolate and cognac to warm our shivering bodies. On the bright side, the next day and another night was spent in peace and quiet.